Behavior of Steel Sections with Different Geometries Under Impact Load

In this article, experimental and finite element analysis studies were carried out at different impact heights of steel beams with different geometric cross-sections. The behavior of elements with varying cross-sectional properties was examined when subjected to hammer loads dropped from different heights. In the experimental study, boundary conditions were established using a 2000 mm long rectangular cross-section beam element with pin and roller supports. The behavior of the steel beam under impact load was analyzed using Abaqus Explicit three-dimensional finite element models. Subsequently, a validation process ensuring convergence was performed before conducting a parametric study. 6 finite element models were constructed for the parametric study, comprising circular and ellipse-section steel elements with approximately equivalent unit weights. The cross-sectional geometry and hammer height were varied while keeping the boundary conditions consistent with the samples examined. As the height of the hammer drop increased, the displacement value, Von-Mises stress, and PEEQ (plastic equivalent strain) values of the elements also increased. When transitioning the cross-sectional shape of the beam element from a circle to an ellipse at a constant hammer height, it resulted in a decrease in the displacement value, Von-Mises stress, and PEEQ values. The results indicate that the maximum displacement, highest stress, and PEEQ value are observed in the E#2000 scenario. Similarly, the smallest displacement, lowest stress, and PEEQ value are exhibited in the C#1400 case.